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Billy Cobham and friends work up a sweat in Switzerland

J. Levinson | Media, PA USA | 09/27/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This DVD presents a digitally remastered Billy Cobham live performance captured in Riazzino, Switzerland, March 1981. The 90-minute DVD features 10 tracks, all played by Billy and Glass Menagerie, consisting of Michal Urbaniak on lyricon and violin, Mike Stern on electric guitar, Gil Goldstein on piano, and Tim Landers on electric bass. This unit is also featured on the "Stratus" album, and most of the tunes from that album are explored at greater length here. The booklet includes a tune-by-tune summary of the show, and an explanation of "Jazz, Rhythm, and The Drum" that aids appreciation of Cobham's role and unique contribution to the music. A biography of Billy is also included on the DVD. The video and audio quality are both as good as can be expected from that era. Truly a priceless document for any fan of Cobham's jazz-fusion.Song List: Moon Germs 9:44, AC/DC 10:42, Flight Time 7:38, Vanessa 10:36, Crosswind 5:25, All Hallows Eve 5:52, Total Eclipse 9:23, Mendocino 13:41, Wrapped in a Cloud 7:05, Brooze 9:56."

Billy Cobham at his 1970s best!

Rene Gonzalez | Amherst, MA United States | 01/11/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Althought the video footage is perceptibly 1970s, the sound and video restoration were well done. It sounds like a CD, and it's live too!The camera angles are great. All musicians are covered, with Billy Covered by 4 or 5 angles (there are even mirrors in the room to give different angles). You get to see an overhead view for solos, behind the drum seat, in front of the drums, from the sides, and face cameras. Very well done since, after all, those that are buying this DVD most likely want to see Billy's playing more than anything.The song styles are very eclectic: rock-jazz, funk, straight ahead jazz, jazz-blues, jazzed samba, and of course, fusion and other psychadelic styles. It's basically a live version (and a good one) of stuff from the Total Eclipse, Crosswind, and Stratus albums (although I would have been completely satisfied if they would have played Red Baron and/or Stratus). You can't get everything, though. :)You want Billy Cobham at his bombastic best? Look no further. One of my prized DVDs in the collection.Hey Billy? When are you going to release something more recent?"

Cobham is Awesome

Denver Guy | Denver, CO | 04/28/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a GREAT DVD. I have seen Billy Cobham in concert at the Bottom Line in NYC, and he was playing so hard and fast that we were showered with wood chips from his sticks. I thought his kit was going to explode!Here is a guy who has beat Buddy Rich in Downbeat's "Best Drummer" poll, and is considered by many critics to be one of the best drummers EVER. Yet the guy is almost unknown.If you want to see some incredible drumming - powerful, precise, fast, and like nothing you have seen, get this DVD.Billy, (...)"

The Glass Menagerie let their hair down

Dracaena | Melbourne, Australia | 05/16/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Before I start, I should mention that the track listing both on the DVD case and in the menus is wrong. Despite what they say, Moon Germs is NOT featured on this release. The actual track order is:01. AC/DC (not A.L.D.L. as listed)02. Flight Time03. Vanessa04. Crosswind05 & 06. All Hallows Eve (for some reason this song is split into 2 chapters, right after Mike Stern's solo)07. Total Eclipse08. Mendocino09. Wrapped in a Cloud10. Brooze

Cobham starts off this live set by jokingly commenting on "Polivideo's version of rent an audience", and while there is a small audience, the applause between tracks was clearly dubbed on afterwards. Thankfully this is amusing rather than annoying. Many of the songs on this DVD contain extended solos by some (or in some cases all) of the musicians, giving the show a fun, "jam back at the house" kind of feel. They really let go, and the individual styles of the different members become apparent. Mike Stern's solo contributions can become a tad repetitive, as he seems to resort to the same musical themes regardless of which song is being played, but this is made up for somewhat by the energy he brings to the table.

Overall this is a solid concert, with exceptional musicianship all round. Any fan of Cobham should not hesitate to pick this one up."